The Top-Down Icelandic Sweater

Designer Ragga Eiríksdóttir teaches you how to knit a fun, authentic Icelandic sweater from the top down and in the round.

Learn from Icelandic designer Ragga Eiríksdóttir how to knit a traditional yoke sweater from the top down. She teaches you about Iceland's rich knitting history as you work authentic lopi yarn almost entirely in the round. Steek Ragga's Maren pattern into a fun cardigan and stylize it using decorative ribbing and buttons.

*NOTE: This course now features student-led (rather than instructor-led) discussion only. If you have questions, at least one of the many experienced knitters in The Top-Down Icelandic Sweater will surely have the answer!

Lesson plan

Lesson 1. Introduction

Meet Ragga and get a sneak peak of what you'll learn about the Craftsy platform.

12:46

Lesson 2. Knitting in Iceland

Learn about the materials, history and traditions of Icelandic knitting.

15:20

Lesson 3. Getting Started

Lay the foundations for a successful sweater project by choosing a size and yarn before finding your gauge.

19:55

Lesson 4. Casting On

Learn different cast-on techniques.

17:02

Lesson 5. Color Shaping in the Yoke

Learn how to knit with three colors as you construct the sweater's yoke.

12:44

Lesson 6. Shaping the Back

Ragga teaches you how to shape the sweater's back with tips on knitting short rows and hiding yarn-overs.

11:51

Lesson 7. Sleeve Set Up

Cast on for the underarms and set up the sweater's sleeves with Ragga's detailed instruction.

9:02

Lesson 8. Ribbing Options

Explore your ribbing options and learn how to easily correct a mistake.

15:45

Lesson 9. Casting Off

Learn two methods for casting off and Ragga's approach to weaving in the ends.

14:18

Lesson 10. Sleeves

Knit the sweater sleeves in the round while working the decreases.

7:34

Lesson 11. Wash and Care

Learn how to wash, condition and dry your beautiful creation so you can wear it for years.

41:34

Lesson 12. Steeking and Button Band

Get step-by-step instructions on how to steek your sweater and add a button band if you so desire.

"I really enjoyed the Top-Down Icelandic Sweater. Ragga is an excellent instructor and I loved hearing about Iceland, its language, its people, and its knitting tradition. I found the section on shaping most helpful, and I'm delighted to have a simple way to improve the fit of these wonderful sweaters. I'm off to shop for wool." - Aunt LiliPhiladelphia

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Student projects

Lesson plan

7:31

Lesson 1. Introduction

Meet Ragga and get a sneak peak of what you'll learn about the Craftsy platform.

12:46

Lesson 2. Knitting in Iceland

Learn about the materials, history and traditions of Icelandic knitting.

15:20

Lesson 3. Getting Started

Lay the foundations for a successful sweater project by choosing a size and yarn before finding your gauge.

19:55

Lesson 4. Casting On

Learn different cast-on techniques.

17:02

Lesson 5. Color Shaping in the Yoke

Learn how to knit with three colors as you construct the sweater's yoke.

12:44

Lesson 6. Shaping the Back

Ragga teaches you how to shape the sweater's back with tips on knitting short rows and hiding yarn-overs.

11:51

Lesson 7. Sleeve Set Up

Cast on for the underarms and set up the sweater's sleeves with Ragga's detailed instruction.

9:02

Lesson 8. Ribbing Options

Explore your ribbing options and learn how to easily correct a mistake.

15:45

Lesson 9. Casting Off

Learn two methods for casting off and Ragga's approach to weaving in the ends.

14:18

Lesson 10. Sleeves

Knit the sweater sleeves in the round while working the decreases.

7:34

Lesson 11. Wash and Care

Learn how to wash, condition and dry your beautiful creation so you can wear it for years.

41:34

Lesson 12. Steeking and Button Band

Get step-by-step instructions on how to steek your sweater and add a button band if you so desire.

The instructor

Ragga Eiríksdóttir, Instructor of The Top-Down Icelandic Sweater

Ragga is an Icelandic knitting expert and general manager of Knitting Iceland.

Ratings & reviews

Class rating

(50 reviews)

Nice Intro

by Solveig134 on February 26, 2015

I am enjoying the class so far. Love Iceland- have been there two times and always wanted to go to the next level with my knitting to knit a sweater. Have knitted socks, shawls, baby clothes but never (yet) an actual sweater - excited to make my first sweater as an Icelandic Sweater. Very relaxing style of teaching, informative, interesting. Looking forward to the next step!

I am enjoying the class so far. Love Iceland- have been there two times and always wanted to go to the next level with my knitting to knit a sweater. Have knitted socks, shawls, baby clothes but never (yet) an actual sweater - excited to make my first sweater as an Icelandic Sweater. Very relaxing style of teaching, informative, interesting. Looking forward to the next step!

Can't Wait To Buy Lopi Yarn Locally

by Rourkek on February 7, 2015

I am particularly enjoying Ragga's class as I am about to go to Iceland on holiday and I look forward to purchasing my yarn locally; photographing the sheep and experiencing nature.

I am particularly enjoying Ragga's class as I am about to go to Iceland on holiday and I look forward to purchasing my yarn locally; photographing the sheep and experiencing nature.

All Things Icelandic

by Kjes on February 1, 2015

I love all things Icelandic so I was very excited about this class that combines two things I love: Iceland and knitting.

Raga is a wonderful, instructor; she is informative and engaging. I have enjoyed the history of the wool and history of the sweaters and I am looking forward to completing this project.

I love all things Icelandic so I was very excited about this class that combines two things I love: Iceland and knitting.

Raga is a wonderful, instructor; she is informative and engaging. I have enjoyed the history of the wool and history of the sweaters and I am looking forward to completing this project.

So Far Very Good

by nancy.gre2474725 on January 28, 2015

I'm just starting the video. I don't have yarn yet but this is very entertaining

I'm just starting the video. I don't have yarn yet but this is very entertaining

What materials are used in this class?

Special offer! The worsted weight yarn that Icelanders use for traditional yoked sweaters, Léttlopi is the natural choice for Ragga Eiriksdottir's Top Down Icelandic Sweater. Available now in White and Glacier Blue Heather, Click Here to choose your size.